Who was Adam Smith and what was his contribution to economic thought?

Adam Smith was a pivotal figure in the field of economics, most renowned for his seminal work "The Wealth of Nations," published in 1776. This book laid the foundations for classical economics and introduced the concept of free-market economics, where prices and production are determined by the competition among privately owned businesses rather than through government intervention.

Smith championed the idea of the "invisible hand," suggesting that individuals pursuing their self-interest in a free market would inadvertently contribute to the overall economic well-being of society. This notion emphasized the benefits of competition and the efficiency of markets in allocating resources. His contributions have had a lasting impact on economic theory, shaping the principles of capitalism and influencing policymakers and economists to promote free-market policies.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect Smith’s views or contributions. He did not advocate for government control of the economy, invent steam-powered machinery, or promote socialism, which all represent fundamentally different economic philosophies than those he espoused in his work.